Many Minnesota spouses who determine that their marriages are no longer sustainable want to take steps to move forward in life but do not want to become entangled in a lengthy, contentious court battle. Filing for divorce does not necessarily mean there has to be a fight; in fact, it does not even necessarily mean there has to be litigation. Keeping several negotiation skills in mind can help a concerned spouse achieve a fair settlement in a peaceful manner.
A goal of negotiation is to resolve differences
Especially for parents, there are numerous issues that must be resolved in order to finalize a divorce. If a pair of spouses disagrees about property division or child custody, for instance, they must try to find common ground on which to forge an agreement. Negotiation is a form of dispute resolution that helps spouses avoid going to court.
Helpful tips to keep in mind when negotiating a divorce settlement
How long it takes to finalize a divorce through negotiation depends on several factors. A spouse heading for a negotiation session will want to be well-prepared, both with documents that are relevant to the discussion and also by having a clear vision of what he or she hopes to accomplish. If a spouse is already aware of an issue where there is disagreement, he or she can come up with a list of possible solutions to present to the other spouse as a groundwork on which to build discussion.
It helps to have a strong support network in place
A Minnesota spouse does not have to navigate a divorce alone. Whether attempting to draft an agreement through negotiations or preparing for litigation, it is helpful to rely on an experienced support team, which might include a trusted friend or family member, as well as a family law attorney who can act as a personal advocate in court. An attorney can also help a spouse explore options and strategies if a particular issue arises that is causing a delay toward settlement.
